“It can be hard to distinguish between
‘normal’ menopausal symptoms and
symptoms caused by the cancer”.1
Umbrella
What may the Menopause After Cancer Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Cancer Treatments
- Chemo Brain
- Menopause
- Menopause Symptoms
Cancers
What cancers may result in treatments in menopause?
In What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women; therefore, much of the information and research about cancer and menopause relates to breast cancer. But treatment for other cancers (including childhood cancers, non-hormonal cancers and hormonal cancers) can also result in menopause”.2
Cancer Treatments
Will all cancer treatments cause menopause?
In What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment the JH elaborate on:
“Not all cancer treatments will cause menopause. Depending on the treatment, menopausal symptoms may be temporary or permanent. Other factors may influence permanent menopause, such as your age and the type of chemotherapy undertaken”.3
Medical Menopause and Surgical Menopause
What is medical menopause and surgical menopause?
In How Menopause Can Happen With Breast Cancer Treatments the (United States) Breastcancer.org elaborate on:
“Some breast cancer treatments can bring on menopause more abruptly than it would happen otherwise. Again, this is called medical menopause if it’s caused by medicines such as chemotherapy, or surgical menopause if it’s caused by removal of the ovaries. Medical menopause may be a temporary state that lasts while you’re in treatment and for some time afterwards, or it can be permanent. Surgical menopause is always permanent”.4
Menopause Symptoms
With cancer, can it be hard to distinguish what’s-what with menopausal symptoms?
The JH explain:
“It can be hard to distinguish between ‘normal’ menopausal symptoms and symptoms caused by the cancer”.5
Chemo Brain
What is chemo brain?
DotS the definition of chemo brain may vary. The (United States) Mayo Clinic’s definition is:
“Chemo brain is a common term used by cancer survivors to describe thinking and memory problems that can occur during and after cancer treatment. Chemo brain can also be called chemo fog, cancer-related cognitive impairment or cognitive dysfunction”.6
In Chemo Brain: Symptoms & Causes – Overview the Mayo Clinic also note:
Managing Menopause
What may help managing menopause?
In Treating Menopausal Symptoms Breastcancer.org explain:

“No matter how you feel about menopause, there are things you can do to help your state of mind and the condition of your body. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress reduction are three of your most powerful tools”.8
HRT and Breast Cancer Survivors
Is systemic HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) recommended for the treatment of menopause symptoms in those with a history of breast cancer?
Not usually. On page three in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:
- “A history of breast cancer should be considered a contraindication to systemic HRT. The risk of breast cancer recurrence with HRT is higher in women with oestrogen receptor positive cancer, but women with oestrogen receptor negative breast cancer are also considered to have an increased risk of recurrence with HRT. HRT may, in exceptional cases, be offered to women with breast cancer with severe menopausal symptoms if lifestyle modifications and non-hormonal treatment options are not effective. This should be done after discussion with the woman, her menopause specialist and her breast/oncology team”.9
Health Care Provider
What if I would like help with menopause after cancer?
If you would like help with menopause after cancer, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Menopause After Cancer?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Menopause After Cancer?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.New or Updated
- BMS TV: Post Cancer Treatments
- Choosing the Right Approach To Cancer and Menopause Symptoms [21 November 2023]
- Managing Menopause After Cancer
- Video Series-2023: Changes In Sexual Health After Cancer [08 October 2023]
- Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
- About Cancer
- About Cancer
- Alternative Cancer Treatments: 11 Options To Consider
- Avoiding Hot Flash Triggers
- BMS TV: Bioidentical Hormones
- BMS TV: Post Cancer Treatments
- BMS TV: Testosterone Explained
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
Breast Cancer & Bone Health
- Breastcancer.org
- Build Better Bones.org [International Osteoporosis Foundation]
- Cancer Fatigue: Why It Occurs and How To Cope
- Cancer Survivors: Managing Your Emotions After Cancer Treatment
- Cancer Treatment – Early Menopause
- Cancer and Women
- Chemo Brain: Diagnosis & Treatment
- Chemotherapy: Cancer and Hair Loss
- Choosing the Right Approach To Cancer and Menopause Symptoms
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for Menopausal Symptoms
- Consumer Health: Life After Cancer
- Coping With Cancer
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- Early Menopause Due To Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy
- Earlymenopause.org.nz [New Zealand Early Menopause Support Group]
- Emotional Wellness In Menopause
- Foundation for Women’s Cancer [United States]
- HRT: Benefits and Risks
- Healthy Living After Cancer
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) With Dr Nicky Peel & Prof. David Armstrong
- Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
- How Menopause Can Happen With Breast Cancer Treatments
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Supporting Someone Through the Menopause [+ Video: Men Don’t Need To Know About Menopause]
- Learning To Cope With Hot Flashes
- Life After Cancer
- Living Well After Cancer Treatment
- Long-Term Health Concerns After Menopause
- Looking After Yourself
- Managing Hot Flashes Naturally
- Managing Menopause After Cancer
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Cancer Survivorship Needs Are Unique for Each Survivor [+ Video]
- Menopausal Grieving, Depression, and Mood Changes
- Menopausal Symptoms and Hormonal Therapies
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Menopause Medication Tracker
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Relaxation Techniques
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
- Menopause Mindfulness: Understanding the Many Paths To Menopause
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
- Menopause Symptoms: Hot Flashes
- Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
- Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
- Menopause and HRT
- Menopause and Menopausal Symptoms
- Menopause – Multilingual Fact Sheets
- Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer and Complementary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National LGBT Cancer Network
- Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
- Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- Pathtogoodbonehealth.org [Your Path To Good Bone Health, Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, United States]
- Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
Preparing for and Dealing With Hot Flashes
- Relaxation and Stress Reduction To Reduce Hot Flashes
- Sex & Intimacy After Cancer
- Sex and the Adult Female Women With Cancer
- Stopping Hormone Replacement Therapy: “Cold Turkey” Menopause
- Supporting A Loved One Through Menopause
- Symptoms of Menopause
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- Treating Menopausal Symptoms
- Understanding the Types of Menopause
- Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
- Vaginal Dryness
- Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
- Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
- Video Series-2023: Changes In Sexual Health After Cancer
- Video Series-2023: Menopause and Heart Disease
- Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
- Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
- Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: How Do I Deal With the Menopause After A Diagnosis of Gynaecological Cancer
- Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: What Women Should Know About Menopause and Brain Fog
- Webinars: Previous – Breast Cancer
- Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
- What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment
- What Everyone Should Know About Menopause Symptoms
- Who Gets Hot Flashes and When?
- Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause#menopause-due-to-cancer-treatment Accessed: 24 September 2023
- What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause#menopause-due-to-cancer-treatment Accessed: 24 September 2023 2023
- What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause#menopause-due-to-cancer-treatment Accessed: 24 September 2023
- How Menopause Can Happen With Breast Cancer Treatments. Last Updated on 30 June 2022. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/menopausal/types/treatment-induced Accessed: 24 September 2023
- What Causes Menopause? Menopause Due To Cancer Treatment: Menopausal Symptoms Related To Cancer Treatment. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/causes-of-menopause#menopause-due-to-cancer-treatment Accessed: 24 September 2023
- Chemo Brain: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 09 February 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chemo-brain/symptoms-causes/syc-20351060 Accessed: 24 September 2023
- Chemo Brain: Symptoms & Causes – Overview. 09 February 2023. Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chemo-brain/symptoms-causes/syc-20351060 Accessed: 24 September 2023
- Treating Menopausal Symptoms. Last Updated on: 30 June 2022. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment-side-effects/menopause/treating-symptoms Accessed: 24 September 2023
- Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:3-4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20533691221104879 Accessed: 24 September 2023